Catalytic Activity of Beta-Cyclodextrin-Gold Nanoparticles Network in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

The current climate crisis warrants investigation into alternative fuel sources. The hydrolysis reaction of an aqueous hydride precursor, and the subsequent production of hydrogen gas, prove to be a viable option. A network of beta-cyclodextrin capped gold nanoparticles (BCD-AuNP) was synthesized and subsequently characterized by Powder X-Ray Diffraction (P-XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS) to confirm the presence of gold nanoparticles as well as their size of approximately 8 nm. The catalytic activity of the nanoparticles was tested in the hydrolysis reaction of sodium borohydride. The gold catalyst performed best at 303 K producing 1.377 mL min−1 mLcat−1 of hydrogen. The activation energy of the catalyst was calculated to be 54.7 kJ/mol. The catalyst resisted degradation in reusability trials, continuing to produce hydrogen gas in up to five trials.

Curing Behavior of Waterborne Paint Containing Catalyst Encapsulated in Micelle

“…A catalyst that remains functionally inactive at temperatures of 40 • C or lower and activates at temperatures of 100 • C or higher is called a switchable catalyst. A wide range of technologies have been reported to realize these catalytic switching properties, including encapsulating the catalyst in compounds such as cyclodextrin [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. For instance, Wang et al reported smart supramolecular nano-enzymes with temperature-driven switching properties have been successfully constructed by the selfassembly of supra-amphiphiles formed by the cyclodextrin-based host-guest chemistry [9].…”

Organo-Nanocups Assist the Formation of Ultra-Small Palladium Nanoparticle Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…Beta-cyclodextrin’s unique shape as nanocup aids in its efficiency as a capping agent [ 10 ]. The deep hydrophobic internal cavity in the center of the molecule confines nanoparticles within its narrow walls which prevents agglomeration by restricting their ability to grow unchecked [ 10 ]. This effect results in isolated and uniform particles, which are more efficient catalysts due to their increased available surface area.…”

“…This has provided a great deal of positive change for numerous applications such as sensors, adsorbents, solar cells, and catalysis [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The unique properties of nanomaterials are ultimately driving their application in many fields, and their dimensions allow them to replace conventional materials to provide smaller, more efficient technologies [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. This allows typically costly materials, such as precious metals, to be applied in economical ways with more efficient means, ultimately stretching global reserves further.…”

“…These metals are not only found in jewelry but also in many electrical and chemical applications due to their high conductivity and resistance to oxidation. Nanoparticles (NPs) of these precious metals, such as silver and gold, have shown impressive catalytic activity in hydrogenation and hydrogen evolution reactions [ 5 , 7 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Platinum and palladium NPs have also been used in a variety of organic reactions and have been studied in hydrogen evolution reactions [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…However, the hydrolysis reaction of aqueous NaBH 4 is slow and would require a catalyst to be effectively applied [ 21 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Gold and silver NPs have shown promise in the catalysis of this reaction in previous works, and palladium is known to be a strong catalyst for hydrogenation reactions from NaBH 4 [ 5 , 7 , 9 , 10 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 27 ].…”